Radiology Accessory Tote

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for carrying at least one radiographic grid and related radiographic supplies comprised of: a body forming a grid pocket to receive the radiographic grids; an internal grid pocket cover for enclosing the grid pocket; a strap securing loop secured to the rear side of said body and forming a space between the strap securing loop and the body; a first strap extending through the space formed by the strap securing loop; and at least one second strap secured to a bottom portion of the body; wherein the first strap and the second straps are can temporarily secure the apparatus to a portable diagnostic device. The apparatus can further include one or more external pockets on the front side of the body and a stabilizing rod to prevent folding of the apparatus.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of a carrying bag, and in particular to a tote bag for carrying X-ray grids and related radiographic supplies.

BACKGROUND

Current concerns in the medical field require technicians to carry a variety of accessories to maintain sterile technique and reduce the spread of infectious diseases while performing the duties of medical examination and treatment. In addition, the advancement of medical technologies requires the use of more and more equipment in the performance of these duties. As a result, today's medical workers use both diagnostic equipment and disposable accessories. In particular, radiological technicians must transport a portable X-ray device (i.e., a portable diagnostic device), a radiographic grid for attenuating the radiation incident on film, their sanitary supplies, personal protective gear, tape, identification cards, gloves, cassette covers, writing instruments, and other related radiographic supplies and equipment.

The term “radiographic grid” shall generally refer to a device that includes alternating radiolucent and radiopaque straps intended to be placed between the patient and the image receptor to reduce the amount of scattered radiation reaching the image receptor. One example of such a radiographic gris is approximately fourteen inches by seventeen inches (14″×17″).

The term “related radiographic supplies” shall generally refer to one or more sanitary supplies, personal protective gear, tape, identification cards, gloves, cassette covers, writing instruments, and other related radiographic supplies and equipment

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one exemplary embodiment of the radiology accessory tote.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the radiology accessory tote shown in FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2 and secured to a portable diagnostic device.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of the radiology accessory tote shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the radiology accessory tote.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a radiology accessory tote, only some of which are depicted in the figures. It should nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that modifications such as the dimensions, size, and shape of the components, alternate but functionally similar materials from which the radiology accessory tote is made, and the inclusion of additional elements are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the written description do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed apparatus or manner.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements.

Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. For example, one embodiment of the radiology accessory tote is disclosed herein as including a strap securing loop that is substantially the same length as the radiology accessory tote. The strap securing loop might permissibly be somewhat shorter and still be within the scope of the invention if its functionality is not materially altered.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front view of one exemplary embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100. Body 110 substantially surrounds and forms internal grid pocket 120, into which one (1) or more radiographic grids (not shown) can be placed, carried, and protected. In the embodiment shown, grid pocket 120 has interior dimensions of seventeen and one half inches (17½″) wide, twenty-two inches (22″) tall, and can expand to about three inches (3″) deep, allowing it to carry one (1) or more large radiographic grids having approximate dimensions of fourteen inches by seventeen inches (14″×17″). Body 110 is made of nylon fabric, but can alternately be made of durable canvas or another flexible material capable of protecting the radiographic grid(s) when inserted within internal grid pocket 120.

Also visible in FIG. 1 is grid pocket cover 140. As can be seen in FIG. 2, grid pocket cover 140 includes rearward end 142 and forward end 144 and is secured to top portion 112 of body 110 at rear side 116. Grid pocket cover 140 provides a covering of the access point to grid pocket 120. In the embodiment shown, rearward end 142 is permanently secured to top portion 112 of rear side 116 of body 110 and can be temporarily secured to front side 115 of top portion 112 of body, allowing access to internal grid pocket 120. Grid pocket cover 140 is permanently secured at rearward end 142 to rear side 116 of body 110 by sewing, but can be permanently secured by any mechanism commonly known in the art, and grid pocket cover 140 is temporarily secured to front side 115 of body 110 at top portion 112 via a hook and latch mechanism. However, alternate embodiments can temporarily secure grid pocket cover 140 to body 110 by any mechanism commonly known in the art, including but not limited to a snap, a button, a clip, a tab, a zipper, and combinations thereof. In addition, in an alternate embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100, grid pocket cover 140 is permanently secured to front side 115 of top portion 112 of body and can be temporarily secured to top portion 112 of rear side 116 of body, or can be temporarily secured at both rearward end 142 and forward end 144 to top portion 112 of front side 115 of body 110 and top portion 112 of rear side 116 of body 110.

Also visible in FIG. 1 are three (3) external pockets 131, 132, and 133. External pockets 131, 132, and 133 provide space for the technician's related radiographic supplies, such as sanitary supplies, personal protective gear, tape, identification cards, gloves, cassette covers, writing instruments, and other related radiographic supplies and equipment, or any other supplies or materials that the technician may need. In the embodiment shown, each external pocket 131, 132 are approximately twelve inches (12″) high and six inches (6″) wide, and external pocket 133 is fourteen inches (14″) wide and six inches (6″) high.

Also visible, each external pocket 131, 132, and 133 has a corresponding external pocket cover 134, 135, and 136. Each external pocket cover 134, 135, and 136 provides a covering of the access point to each external pocket 131, 132, and 133. In the embodiment shown, each external pocket cover 134, 135, and 136 can be temporarily secured to the respective external pocket 131, 132, and 133 via a hook and latch mechanism. However, alternate embodiments can temporarily secure each external pocket cover 134, 135, and 136 to each respective external pocket 131, 132, and 133 by any mechanism commonly known in the art, including but not limited to a snap, a button, a clip, a tab, a zipper, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, one (1) or more of external pocket covers 134, 135, and 136 can be eliminated altogether.

Also visible in FIG. 1 is strap 150. As will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, strap 150 is secured to the rear side (not shown) of body 110 and temporarily secures radiology accessory tote 100 to a portable diagnostic device (also not shown). Strap 150 further includes adjustment member 155, which allows strap 150 to be lengthened or shortened depending on the portable diagnostic device to which radiology accessory tote 100 is to be attached. In the embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100 shown in FIG. 1, strap 150 is made of nylon fabric, but like body 110, strap 150 can alternately be made of durable canvas or another flexible and durable material.

Also visible in FIG. 1 are straps 160. As will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, straps 160 secured to the rear side (not shown) of body 110 and helps temporarily secure radiology accessory tote 100 to the portable diagnostic device (also not shown). Straps 160 further include adjustment members 165, which allow straps 160 to be lengthened or shortened depending on the portable diagnostic device to which radiology accessory tote 100 is to be attached. In the embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100 shown in FIG. 1, straps 160 are made of nylon fabric, but like body 110 and strap 150, straps 160 can alternately be made of durable canvas or another flexible and durable material.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the radiology accessory tote 100 shown in FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2, and secured to portable diagnostic device 50. Because body 110 of radiology accessory tote 100 is made of a flexible material, radiology accessory tote 100 is collapsible along arrow T. Such a construction allows radiology accessory tote 100 to be expandable to more than three inches (3 μl) thick, but collapse to a thinner thickness when required.

Visible in FIG. 2 is strap securing loop 170. First end 171 of strap securing loop 170 and second end 172 of loop are both secured to rear side 116 of body 110, forming space 175 between strap securing loop 170 and rear side 116 of body 110. Strap securing loop 170 runs substantially the width of radiology accessory tote 100. Strap 150 is positioned within space 175, and when looped around portable diagnostic device 50, holds radiology accessory tote 100 snugly against portable diagnostic device 50.

In the embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100 shown in FIG. 2, strap securing loop 170 is made of nylon fabric, but like body 110, strap 150, and straps 160, strap securing loop 170 can alternately be made of durable canvas or another flexible and durable material.

Also visible in FIG. 2 is one (1) of the two (2) straps 160 located at bottom portion 111 of body 110. Each strap 160 is also looped around portable diagnostic device 50 to hold radiology accessory tote 100 snugly against portable diagnostic device 50.

Also in the embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100 shown in FIG. 2 is stabilizing rod 180. Stabilizing rod 180 prevents radiology accessory tote 100 from bending in a horizontal direction, further protecting any radiographic grids (not shown) or other related radiographic supplies. In the embodiment shown, stabilizing rod 180 is positioned within first end 171 of strap securing loop 170 and runs substantially the entire length of strap securing loop 170. However, in alternate embodiments, stabilizing rod 180 can be positioned elsewhere within strap securing loop 170 or within body 110. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, stabilizing rod 180 is made of steel, but can also be made of any other sufficiently strong material, including other metals and alloys, plastic, wood, and combinations thereof. However, it should be understood that alternate embodiments of radiology accessory tote 100 need not necessarily include stabilizing rod 180.

As shown in FIG. 2, radiology accessory tote 100 is temporarily secured portable diagnostic device 50. Specifically, portable diagnostic device 50 is a General Electric® AMX 4 X-ray machine. However, because strap 150 and straps 160 each include adjustment member 155 and adjustment members 165, respectively, radiology accessory tote 100 can be used with any portable diagnostic device 50.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100 shown in FIG. 1. As can be appreciated, strap securing loop 170 is substantially the same length as the width of radiology accessory tote 100, and stabilizing rod 180 (shown in broken lines) is substantially the same length as strap securing loop 170.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of radiology accessory tote 100. Though the embodiment also includes strap 150, straps 160, and three (3) external pockets 131, 132, and 133 that provide space for the technician's related radiographic supplies, the orientation of external pockets 131, 132, and 133 differs. In addition, only external pocket 131 has a corresponding external pocket cover 134. Furthermore, external pocket 131 is approximately seventeen and one half inches (17½″) high and seventeen and one half inches (17½″) wide, and external pockets 132 and 133 are each approximately six inches (6″) by four inches (4″). Such an embodiment also provides space 139 for a logo, embroidery, or other indicia.

While the strap apparatus for carrying protective equipment has been shown and described with respect to several embodiments and uses in accordance with the present invention, it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto, but is susceptible to numerous changes and modifications as known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the details shown and described herein, but rather cover all such changes and modifications obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. 

1. An apparatus for carrying at least one radiographic grids and related radiographic supplies comprised of: a body forming a grid pocket to receive said at least one radiographic grids, said body having a front side and a rear side; an internal grid pocket cover for enclosing said grid pocket; a strap securing loop secured to said rear side of said body and forming a space between said strap securing loop and said body; a first strap extending through said space formed by said strap securing loop; and at least one second strap secured to a bottom portion of said body; wherein said first strap and said at least one second strap are adapted to temporarily secured said apparatus to a portable diagnostic device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is made of a material selected from a group consisting of nylon fabric, canvas, and combinations thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said grid pocket cover is permanently secured on a first end to said body and temporarily secured at a second end to said body by a securing member selected from a group consisting of a hook and latch member, a snap, a button, a clip, a tab, a zipper, and combinations thereof.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes at least one external pocket positioned on said front side of said body, each of said at least one external pocket to receive one or more related radiographic supplies.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one external pocket further includes an external pocket cover.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first strap further includes an adjustment member to adjust a length of said first strap.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one second strap further includes an adjustment member to adjust a length of said at least one second strap.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a stabilizing rod to prevent folding of said apparatus.
 9. An apparatus comprised of: a body forming a grid pocket to receive at least one radiographic grid, said body having a front side and a rear side; a grid pocket cover for enclosing said grid pocket; a strap securing loop secured to said rear side of said body and forming a space between said strap securing loop and said body and extending substantially along a width of said apparatus; a first strap extending through said space formed by said strap securing loop and adapted to temporarily secured said apparatus to a portable diagnostic device; at least one second strap secured to a bottom portion of said body and adapted to temporarily secured said apparatus to said portable diagnostic device; and a stabilizing rod to prevent folding of said apparatus; wherein said apparatus is adapted for carrying at least one radiographic grids and related radiographic supplies.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus is made of a material selected from a group consisting of nylon fabric, canvas, and combinations thereof.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said grid pocket cover is permanently secured on a first end to said body and temporarily secured at a second end to said body by a securing member selected from a group consisting of a hook and latch member, a snap, a button, a clip, a tab, a zipper, and combinations thereof.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus further includes at least one external pocket positioned on said front side of said body, each of said at least one external pocket to receive one or more related radiographic supplies.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein at least one of said at least one external pocket further includes an external pocket cover.
 14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first strap further includes an adjustment member to adjust a length of said first strap.
 15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said at least one second strap further includes an adjustment member to adjust a length of said at least one second strap.
 16. An apparatus comprised of: a body forming a grid pocket to receive at least one radiographic grid, said body having a front side, a rear side, a height, a width, and a thickness, said apparatus being collapsible along said thickness; a grid pocket cover for enclosing said grid pocket; a strap securing loop secured to said rear side of said body and forming a space between said strap securing loop and said body, said strap securing loop extending substantially along said width of said body; a first strap extending through said space formed by said strap securing loop and adapted to temporarily secured said apparatus to a portable diagnostic device; at least one second strap secured to a bottom portion of said body and adapted to temporarily secured said apparatus to said portable diagnostic device; and a stabilizing rod to prevent folding of said apparatus, said stabilizing rod positioned within said strap securing loop and extending substantially along said width of said apparatus; wherein said apparatus is adapted for carrying at least one radiographic grids and related radiographic supplies.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said apparatus is made of a material selected from a group consisting of nylon fabric, canvas, and combinations thereof.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said grid pocket cover is permanently secured on a first end to said body and temporarily secured at a second end to said body by a securing member selected from a group consisting of a hook and latch member, a snap, a button, a clip, a tab, a zipper, and combinations thereof.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said apparatus further includes at least one external pocket positioned on said front side of said body, each of said at least one external pocket to receive one or more related radiographic supplies.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of said at least one external pocket further includes an external pocket cover.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said first strap further includes an adjustment member to adjust a length of said first strap.
 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said at least one second strap further includes an adjustment member to adjust a length of said at least one second strap. 